GMA Mercy Memo - 10.04.17

GMA Mercy Memo 10.04.17

A message from our principal, Mrs. Anne Knapke

Dear Gwynedd-Mercy Academy Family and Friends,

We are still brimming with excitement since the announcement was made last Thursday that Gwynedd-Mercy Academy Elementary had been recognized as one of only 50 private schools in the country selected as a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School. As we continue our efforts to build strong partnerships among our school community, the National Blue Ribbon School recognition as an "exemplary school" is an honor for us all. What is even more significant and rewarding for GMA, is that this will be the second time in ten years that we have received this coveted award. We are extremely grateful to our faculty, staff, students, parents, and community stakeholders, whose commitment to innovative teaching and learning, infused with Mercy charism, has set our school apart from the rest. Be assured that GMA is committed to our continued efforts to enhance innovative curricular programs, instruction, and the student experience to prepare our students to successfully engage and lead in the current and future global community.

Mr. Santoro, Mrs. Rauch, and I look forward to attending the 2017 National Blue Ribbon School award ceremony in Washington, DC on November 6 and 7, and will be privileged to present the award to the entire school community following that date. Please be on the lookout for additional information.

On another note, in this Mercy Memo is information about many community events that will be taking place over the coming weeks. Muffins with Mom, our student-led Living Rosary, Homecoming followed by our annual Family Liturgy, Trunk-or-Treat, and GMA Parent and Alumni Brews and Bites are just some of the events to anticipate. In addition, please remember that winter uniforms begin on Monday, October 23.

In Christ's love and mercy,

Anne W. Knapke, M.Ed.

Principal

Learn about Robotics, Culinary Arts or Soccer on Columbus Day! Monday, October 9, will be an in-service day with no school for students. As a convenience for school families, Lavner Camps will be offering a day camp experience on many school holidays. For more information, please click on the Lavner October 9 Camp flyer and to register, go to their website. Deadline for registrations is October 6.

We are excited to announce the establishment of Quest, Gwynedd-Mercy Academy's new K-8 after-school clubs program. Quest programs will take place Mondays through Thursdays from 3:15-4:15 PM for five weeks each trimester, beginning October 16th. Students will be able sign up to participate in multiple after school programs throughout the week, rather than just on Thursdays. This increase in offerings will provide K-8 students with an opportunity to extend their learning and explore a variety of engaging enrichment activities. Space for each program is limited, so register early to secure your spot! The deadline to register is October 12th. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Lindsey Rauch, Director of Curriculum & Student Life.

GMA Homecoming will be Saturday, October 21 - SAVE THE DATE! It will be a fun-filled day of cross country, soccer, field hockey and activities for everyone including dunk tank, bounce house and a DJ. After the last game, families can join together in the gym for a 4:00 pm Liturgy. Click here for more details and stay tuned for a volunteer sign up sheet next week.

Muffins with Mom will be held on Thursday, October 19th, beginning at 7:30 AM.
Mothers or mother-figures are welcome to stay for our Living Rosary at 8:30 AM when we will have a prayer in honor of the Blessed Mother and these special women in our students' lives. Click here to RSVP.

Attention Parents with a child entering Kindergarten for 2018-2019: There will be a special Sibling Legacy Day Event for all 2018-2019 Kindergarten Siblings coming up in November! In order to place your child's name on our Sibling List please contact Mrs. Connolly via email at bconnolly@gmaelem.org.

Golfers Wanted!! We could use some golfing parents to be a part of the 2018 Second Annual GMA Golf Outing Committee. If you, or someone you know, might be interested in helping organize our spring outing, please email Jessica Frankowski, Director of Development.

After all the fun at last year's Ambler Holiday Parade, we had a number of parents saying they wanted to raise our parade profile! Here's your chance - any parents interested in helping out with the GMA Holiday Parade float, please contact Maura LaGreca. Judging by what we've seen at GMA's Trunk or Treat, there's quite a bit of creativity out there.

High School Information Reminder to Parents in Grades 6-8
Thursday, October 5th: Admission Directors and GMA Elementary Alumni from La Salle College High School and Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School will be on site to meet with the students in Grades 6-8. We look forward to welcoming these prestigious visitors to our school!

GMA hosts High School Night, for families in Grades 6-8 on Wednesday, October 11. We will welcome Admission Directors from various schools, including: Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School, Holy Ghost Preparatory School, La Salle College High School, Mount St. Joseph Academy, St. Joseph Preparatory School and Villa Joseph Marie. Additionally, Mr. Chris Holwick of Explorer Test Prep will be presenting an overview of the High School Placement Test process and the importance of appropriate preparation. The evening will feature three half hour sessions, and will run from 7-8:30. Please direct questions to Mrs. Connolly at bconnolly@gmaelem.org. CLICK HERE TO RSVP.

Grades 6-8 Speakers Series Begins tomorrow 10/5

The first of our speakers will be tomorrow, October 5, 2017 from 3:30-4:30 PM. Angela Walden, from a local organization called EPIC, will speak to the students about issues of inclusion. We would love to see as many students as possible take advantage of this opportunity to join together and think through these ideas! Click here to RVSP for your child by 10:00 PM on 10/4. Pick up will be on the Greentop at 4:30 PM.

Yankee Candle catalogs and order forms were sent home with your children Monday. This is a Parents' Organization-sponsored fundraiser which supports enrichment programs for all students. Order for the holidays by filling out the order form or Order Online! GMA Group No. 990037417 (online orders pay $5.99 shipping). Orders are due by Friday, October 20. Any questions can be directed to lcatalfano@gmail.com.

As we get close to the big shopping season, please make sure you are using Amazon Smile for your purchases. This is a truly painless fundraiser and one we'd like to see more families using. Why not give as you click on Amazon?

GMA has partnered with The Common Market Farm Share to bring locally grown, fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies directly to our GMA Families. This program runs from November - April, with 12 biweekly deliveries. Each delivery includes 6-8 farm fresh items, plus one-dozen certified humane brown eggs. Use code EARLY to save $20 on your farmshare. More information can be found in this flier, and you can register by clicking here. Contact Mrs. Connolly at bconnolly@gmaelem.org with any questions.

GMA Cafeteria News:
We are excited to welcome Ms. Angelina Sickora to the GMA + Aramark Food Service Program. Ms. Sickora, our new Food Service Director, will work with Mrs. Denise Atkinson and our kitchen staff to ensure our food service program continues to exceed our families' expectations! Ms. Sickora will be implementing a few new programs here at GMA, including a Parent Focus Committee. The Parent Focus Committee will meet on a monthly basis to review menu items, share feedback, and provide insight to help continue to grow our program. Please contact Ms. Sickora to sign up for the Parent Focus Committee and click here to read her parent letter. Space is limited on this committee, please sign up soon!

Villa Joseph Marie High School is hosting a Mini-THON, a fundraiser to fight pediatric cancer. It will be a Neon Night grade school dance benefit for grades 6-8 on October 20th from 7-10:00 PM. The dance will take place in their school gym and the tickets cost $10, with all the proceeds going to their Mini-THON pediatric cancer fundraiser. Interested students should have their parents text @ftkdance to the number 81010 to register. Click here to read the event flyer.

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